A delightful Laos tour which takes visitors on a journey of discovery as the beauty and charm of the country is evident at every turn. See magnificent temples and pagodas and impressive caves which contain thousands of Buddha images. Your tour of Laos takes you to the mysterious Plain of Jars where large jars lay scattered across the land then onto Kuang Si waterfall where the cascading waterfall provides a tranquil backdrop to a leisurely picnic lunch.

Day

1

Depart Australia on your flight to Hanoi. On arrival you will be transferred to the Ann Hotel for one night.

2

THU: HANOI/VIENTIANE

Fly to Vientiane and stay two nights at the Best Western Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 1

3

FRI: VIENTIANE

This morning visit Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in Vientiane and to nearby Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum which displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Continue to Patuxay Monument, a large structure similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, then to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Lunch at a charity-run Makphet Restaurant. Travel to Buddha Park stopping en route at the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994. This evening enjoy a traditional Laotian dinner and show.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

4

SAT: VIENTIANE/VANG VIENG

Discover the scenic beauty of Nam Ngum Lake, the largest lake in Laos and the first hydroelectric dam. Watch local fishermen as you cruise on the lake then continue onto Vang Vieng and stay one night at the Silver Naga Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

5

SUN: VANG VIENG/PHONSAVANH

Depart for a five hour coach journey to Phonsavanh and enjoy a short city tour. Stay two nights at the Vansana Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

6

MON: PLAIN OF JARS

Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars, a large area where huge jars of unknown origin, some up to 1000kg, are scattered in groups across the land. After lunch, visit Muang Khoun, home to a unique sitting giant Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

7

TUE: PHONSAVANH/LUANG PRABANG

Enjoy a scenic six hour drive to Luang Prabang and stay three nights at the Le Sen Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

8

WED: LUANG PRABANG

This morning visit Wat Xieng Thong, the glittering symbol of the city. Travel by private longboat and cruise up the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves which house thousands of Buddha statues. On the way back visit Ban Xang Hai, once a ‘jar-maker village’ and the local community now fill the jars with lao-lao, the local rice whiskey. Continue to the former Royal Palace, now the national museum and visit Wat Mai. End your day by climbing the 328 steps to Phousi Hill for a breathtaking view of the city and countryside. Stop at the evening hill tribe market.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

9

THU: LUANG PRABANG

Morning visit to Wat Visoun to see the famous Watermelon Stupa and Wat to see the alter of the two geniuses of Luang Prabang. Travel onto the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si waterfall and watch the waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. This afternoon visit Ban Tha Pan to see the Kamu way of living then Ban Ou, a Lao Loum Village. Also stop at Ban Na Ouane a Hmong village whose inhabitants have their origins in the mountains of southern China.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

10

FRI: LUANG PRABANG/AUSTRALIA

Farewell Laos as you transfer to the airport for the overnight flight home via Hanoi.